| abstract |
This invention provides a process for the selective conversion of aliphatic and aromatic aminonitriles, such as epsilon-aminocapronitrile, or mixtures of a primary amine, MNHR 2 , such as N-butylamine, and a nitrile, MCN, such as acetonitrile, into N-substituted amides, such as epsilon-caprolactam or N-butylacetamide, employing a Cu(O) catalyst in combination with oxides of a Group IVB, VB or VIB metal except chromium. The present invention, also provided a method of preparing a catalyst composition comprising Cu(O), substantially free of oxidized forms of Cu(O) and finely dispersed in oxides of a metal which is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo or W, which comprises treating a substance comprising oxidized Cu and metal oxides with hydrogen at a pressure of at least about 100 kPa and at a temperature greater than about 250° C preferably about 350°-450°C for a time sufficient to produce a catalyst composition comprising Cu(O), substantially free of oxidized forms of Cu(O), finely dispersed in the metal oxides. The present invention also contemplates a catalyst composition comprising Cu(O), substantially free of oxides forms of Cu(O) and finely dispersed in oxides of Group IVB, VB or VIB metals except chromium. |